Official page of the Lower Merion School District. The comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and position of the Lower Merion School District or its employees.
The Lower Merion School District (LMSD), located in Philadelphia's historic Main Line suburbs, serves the 62,000 residents of Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth. Established as one of Pennsylvania's first public school districts in 1834, LMSD enjoys a rich tradition of achievement, innovation and community partnership and a longstanding reputation as one of the finest school systems in the United States. The District's six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools provide a challenging, multi-disciplinary academic program and dynamic, co-curricular experience to more than 7,300 students.
Of the District's nine eligible schools, all have received recognition for excellence by the Commonwealth and seven have received the National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Education. LMSD schools rank among the highest in Pennsylvania for SAT and PSAT scores, AP Participation rate, total number of National Merit Semifinalists, total number of International Baccalaureate diplomas granted and in numerous publications' "Top Schools" lists. Approximately ninety-four percent of high school graduates attend institutions of higher learning.
LMSD's comprehensive instructional program encompasses an array of services for special needs and gifted children as well as community-based learning programs, extended daycare, early-intervention literacy support, an International Baccalaureate diploma program and a full menu of high school honors and AP courses. An extensive range of course offerings in core areas, music and the arts, technology and special subjects form the foundation of the District's secondary curriculum. Themed, year-long middle school programs offer students enhanced opportunities to explore subjects through hands-on, interdisciplinary study and block scheduling. The District's World Languages program enables all students to receive uninterrupted foreign language instruction from second grade until the time they graduate from high school.
More than 500 supervised academic, athletic, community outreach and performance-oriented co-curricular programs are available in the District, from elementary school technology clubs to high school varsity sports. In addition to serving student programs, the District's facilities are utilized by thousands of community members for enrichment programs, recreation and general use.
The District's professional staff consists of more than 630 full time teachers, 80% of whom have advanced degrees. The faculty is complemented by a support staff of more than 500 skilled individuals. A guidance counselor and psychologist are available in every school.
LMSD maintains one of the lowest class size averages in Pennsylvania. The student-to professional staff ratio at the secondary level is 11:1 and average class size in the District is approximately 21 students. In addition to providing a supportive teaching environment, the District offers one of the highest salaries and best benefits packages in Pennsylvania and extensive staff development opportunities.
LMSD completed the final phase of a12-year Capital Improvement Program with the opening of the new Lower Merion High School in September 2010. All ten of the District's schools have been completely modernized to serve the needs of 21st century education, with the two high schools serving as capstone projects. Both Lower Merion and Harriton feature an array of quality facilities that support world-class educational programs, including state-of-the-art science laboratories, an 850-seat auditorium/theater, a multi-purpose black box theater, a greenhouse for environmental and horticultural studies, high-performance athletic facilities, television studios, multi-media production facilities, a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) lab, open air courtyards, a lecture hall with tiered seating to help prepare students for the college environment, a college-style library and fully-integrated technology.
LMSD is one of only two districts in Pennsylvania to earn Moody's highest bond rating, a reflection of outstanding fiscal strength and stewardship.
Serving the 62,000 residents of Lower Merion Township and Narberth, LMSD enjoys a longstanding reputation as one of the finest school systems in the US.
Committed to excellence and continuous improvement, the Lower Merion School District strives to ensure that all students achieve their highest level of critical thinking and creativity, that they value themselves and the diversity of others, and that they are knowledgeable, contributing citizens capable of excelling in a rapidly changing world.
This is accomplished by individuals engaging in innovative, active experiences tailored to myriad ways of learning and in partnership with our community.
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